The Report

The Report: November / December 2005 vol.26 num.6 by LAURA BUSHEIKIN he old adage -Think globally, act locally" is nicely embodied in the person of Thalia Vesterback. As an HSA Member at Large for Region 9, Vesterback appreciates the opportunities union activism gives her. When she can help improve conditions for herself and colleagues, she is satisfied. Thalia Vesterback Member...

The Report: October / November 2005 vol.26 num.5 by CINDY STEWART n December 26, 2004 an earthquake rocked the ocean floor. The resulting devastation, and ultimately the loss of more than 150,000 lives, galvanized the worlds communities in an unprecedented relief effort. NUPGE components, including HSA, joined with unions across the country to respond to the call for help in...

The Report: October / November 2005 vol.26 num.5 What is -off-duty conduct?" When can employers discipline employees for -off-duty conduct"? Employee behaviour that is characterized as -off-duty conduct" is behaviour occurring outside the scope of an employees performance of regular duties, but falls below a reasonable norm in relationship to the employers legitimate concerns, and could give the employer grounds...

The Report: October / November 2005 vol.26 num.5 or a woman escaping abuse, North Island Transition Societys Ann Elmore House offers safe haven ... and the skilled, empathetic aid of transition house workers like Charity Perrault. Charity Perrault Transition House Worker Chief Steward Ann Elmore House, North Island Transition Society Perrault was drawn to front-line support work from early life...

The Report: October / November 2005 vol.26 num.5 by LAURA BUSHEIKIN ami Nishi enjoys a lot of things about her job. For instance, the toys. Tami Nishi Steward Speech Language Pathologist The Centre for Development -I go to work every day, open my materials cupboard, and its full of toys," Nishi said, smiling. -I love that." What she loves even...

The Report: August / September 2005 vol.26 num.4by CAROLE PEARSON sk most people what the fastest growing disease in the world is, and you would get a variety of responses. Douglas Wang Educator / Coordinator, chronic respiratory rehabilitation program Chilliwack General Hospital Douglas Wang knows the answer to that question, and he is working at Chilliwack General Hospital to help...

The Report: August / September 2005 vol.26 num.4 by CINDY STEWART his fall marks the concerted start of preparations for bargaining, as almost every HSA member’s collective agreements will be expiring next spring. Contracts for Paramedical Professionals, Nurses, Community Health and Community Social Services all expire at the end of March 2006. And those are not the only contracts that...

The Report: August / September 2005 vol.26 num.4 by SARAH OLEARY I have developed neck and shoulder pain that I feel sure is the result of the repetitive actions required by my work. I put in a claim to the WCB. I understand that they will be getting records from my doctor. Can they do that without my permission? The...

The Report: August / September 2005 vol.26 num.4 by LAURA BUSHEIKIN rowing old, losing our health, needing care, and facing death ... these end-of-life passages await us all. We all fear to be seen as a burden and hope to be treated with compassion and dignity. Luckily for many elders and their families, compassion and respect for dignity are abundant...

The Report: June / July 2005 vol.26 num.3by CINDY STEWART n May 17, British Columbians sent a strong message that they want a balanced approach to government. With 46 Liberal and 33 NDP MLAs representing us for the next four years, the Liberal government will be working with a much different mandate than British Columbians delivered four years ago. At...